Private ceremony then reception later?

This is becoming a very common term, and popular to boot.

Given the state of things, I can't see people being offended!

It’s hard enough planning a wedding during a pandemic I can’t imagine how much more stressful it is so have unsupportive family. I’m so sorry girl, do what you think is best for you and your fiancée and don’t let their negativity overshadow the happiness of getting married. Remember it’s all about you two, no one else. (I know way easier said than done but I hope it helps!)

With covid restrictions being what they are, many are opting to do this. A lot of people still attend the later celebrations.

I think that's a great idea, especially with how stressed you've been about planning this reception. Honestly, if these aren't important people in your life, I would probably even forgo the celebration of marriage entirely, unless you really want to celebrate with these people since you said they aren't close friends or anything.

I think just sending an announcement to your guests stating that due to Covid, and wanting to put safety first, you’ve decided to elope and will plan a celebration of marriage at a later time. If I was one of your guests, I would totally understand and look forward to attending the celebration.

We’re doing something similar this year. It’s your time to celebrate as a couple (and safely). People should understand. Times are unprecedented. Best of luck with planning!

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Agreed thanks

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Okay thanks for the feedback

It's a know your crowd thing. Some will blow off the party because they feel they were not good enough to attend the ceremony which they see as most important part of the day. Others will attend with no issue. Ask your friends and families who you are concerned about to ease your mind.

I doubt people would be offended with COVID going on

Keep in mind that many people do not see Covid as a reason to toss out manners. Some do but many see manners as something that does not change for any reason, pandemic or not.

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What do you mean by manners? Please clarify I don't want to take this the wrong way. We are getting married its just over the past week we decided its best we elope considering our crowd really isn't that close to us and the pandemic isn't making things too easy either.

View Quoted Comment Manners= etiquette. Doing what is socially proper to avoid awkward/rude situations from arising. Some people believe that the pandemic means you have free rein to do what you want without any regard for politeness or how others involved will feel by your actions choices under the argument it is "outdated and no longer applies to anything." But it is how you navigate social situations as a human regardless of external circumstances.


Do what works for you but always be courteous of how it will be received by others. When in doubt, older generations of families/social circles tend to be the most familiar with manners/etiquette.
Nothing wrong with eloping at all but the after events tend to be trickier to navigate. Decades ago elopements were common with announcements sent but no reception. Nowadays you can either do a reception (but call it a celebration of marriage instead) or a full renewal of vows.

Do whatever you want. If they are your real friends they will understand. Use covid as the reason and say you dont want to get anyone sick. You do what's best for you guys. If they get mad say you dont have the money to pay for it. And that you guys are doing court house wedding. Elope and dont tell them.